A STRAY cat that travelled 3,500 miles from Dubai via northern France before eventually being found in Frimley has been rehomed in time for Christmas.

A STRAY cat that travelled 3,500 miles from Dubai via northern France before eventually being found in Frimley has finally been rehomed, just in time for Christmas.

New owners Irene and David Tracy, from Elstead, told the News & Mail that Grace, as she was christened by staff at Cats Protection in Haslemere, was settling well in her new home after her extraordinary journey.

“We’ve had her about a fortnight now,” said 74-year-old Irene. “And she seems to have made herself at home. She’s a very sharp, inquisitive cat, which I guess is to be expected after everything she has been through.

“It came as quite a shock when they explained her story to us. She has been on a greater adventure than most people manage in a lifetime.

“But I think she’s happy to finally have somewhere to call home.”

Grace was delivered to Cats Protection in August by a Frimley resident; however, a quick check of her microchip brought Grace’s incredible journey to light.

According to the chip, Grace hails from Dubai on the Persian Gulf, almost 3,500 miles from Surrey as the crow flies. Sian Crosbie, deputy manager at Cats Protection, explained there was more to Grace’s story than meets the eye.

“We actually tracked down Grace’s original owners who moved with Grace to Brittany, France, before rehoming her and her daughter ahead of their move to England.

“But it’s a mystery how she ended up in Frimley before she was eventually delivered to us – there are no quarantine records for her so how she got here undetected is baffling.”

Ms Crosbie said Grace became very frustrated during her time at the centre and took every opportunity she could to get out and stretch her legs.

“Grace is obviously a very independent cat,” she added. “She has had to fend for herself for a long time, and in doing so has developed some quite intricate skills.

“In fact, because she spent so much time in our office, we soon learned how intelligent she was. She had a knack for getting in and out of the cupboards and nicking morsels of food.

“But at the end of the day she’s just a moggy from Dubai who has had an amazing adventure and can now look forward to leading a more peaceful existence with her lovely new owners who have taken on cats from us before.”

Said to be around eight or nine years old, Grace is a black and white short-haired cat with distinctive markings around her nose, as well as a clipped tail and tipped ear.

Reflecting on her pet’s journey, Irene said the first thing the couple did was to buy Grace a new bed.

“She seems quite content with a cardboard box though,” Irene added.

“I suppose it’s what she’s used to.

“I think we both just wish she could talk so she could tell us the whole story.

“We’re going to keep her indoors for a good while so she doesn’t go wandering off – again.”

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She has been editorial director of the online and print titles in Surrey and north-east Hampshire since 2007. Marnie previously worked at the BBC as a producer for 5 Live, having moved to national radio from BBC Sussex and Surrey.